Which characteristic is essential for discussing abstract art?

The essential characteristic for discussing abstract art is non-representational forms. Abstract art is defined by its departure from accurate depictions of visual reality. Instead of representing objects, figures, or scenes from the real world, abstract art focuses on the use of shapes, colors, and forms to convey emotions, ideas, or concepts. This non-representational approach allows artists to explore visual language beyond traditional representation, often inviting the viewer to interpret the work in a personal and subjective manner.

In the context of abstract art, emotional expressions may play a role, but they are often communicated through the non-representational techniques rather than through direct imagery. Ideas of cultural symbolism may also be present in some abstract works, but they are not a defining characteristic of the genre as a whole. Accurate visual representation clearly does not align with the goals of abstract art, which intentionally breaks away from realistic portrayals.